Road tester N.Z. design
A new machine which could revolutionise road testing in New Zealand could make it much cheaper and more efficient, says the designer.
The machine is the first of its kind in Australia and New Zealand, and will simulate traffic conditions on different road surfaces and formations.
It was designed by Mr lan Wood, a Christchurch consulting engineer. The initiative came from Professor Robert Park, of the civil engineering department at the University of Canterbury.
The National Roads Board, which has funded
the development, will give the machine to the university today, for research use by staff and students.
The machine cost $350,000, but it is expected to save many thousands of dollars by enabling road surfaces to be thoroughly tested before being put to use.
Mr Park is excited that the machine was fully developed and built in New Zealand. G.W. Streat, Ltd, provided the electronics, and C.W.F. Hamilton, Ltd, the hydraulics. Southern Cross Engineering Co, Ltd, built the machine, and the managing director, Mr Graeme McMaster, says it has export potential.
The test track on which the machine runs will be laid with various test materials, and the ground can be excavated and filled to provide changing ground conditions. Spanning the 18m track the machine is capable of simulating the effect of various truck weights on the surface. It can also simulate hill conditions, and runs at a speed of up to 50kmh.
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Press, 18 December 1986, Page 3
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238Road tester N.Z. design Press, 18 December 1986, Page 3
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